...story continued

In addition to the building enhancements at White Plains that were introduced prior to the LEED program, the Gold certification was awarded for a number of policies:

• Subsidizing van pools and providing incentives for other forms of public transportation;
• Providing designated parking for employees who commute in hybrid-electric vehicles;
• Replacing existing lighting with energy-efficient low-mercury lamps;
• Using paints that are low in volatile-organic-compounds (VOCs contribute to unhealthy air in buildings) for renovations of office space, and purchasing carpeting made from recycled materials;
• Using cleaning products that don’t contain ammonia, chlorine or alcohol;
• Installing low-flush toilets to reduce water use;
• Increasing recycling of paper, cans and plastic materials;
• Installing high-performance filters on fresh air intake systems to remove fine dust and other particulate matter and direct clean, fresh air throughout the building, reducing levels of indoor carbon dioxide.

The Power Authority plans to install many of these retrofits at buildings at its major power generating sites around New York State.

As NYPA expands its efforts in sustainability, it is gaining ever-more useful knowledge and expertise that it can share within the industry.

This reservoir of information could serve NYPA’s electricity customers who may want to learn and apply principles of sustainability. Many have already asked for guidance in adapting the guidelines, and NYPA is providing it for customers such as the State University of New York and many of the state’s municipal utilities.

NYPA plans to work closely with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and State Office of General Services, which are heavily involved in these types of upgrades.

Top: Insulating film was installed on windows in the White Plains building to help regulate inside temperatures.